LGBT Websites for Istanbul and Turkiye (Turkey)

Gay Nightlife in Istanbul

Majority of the gay bars and clubs are located in and around Taksim and Beyoglu. 

Contrary to expectations, gay bars in Istanbul are not inexpensive, unlike other everyday items. This is primarily due to high taxes and the relatively lower drinking habits of Turkish people, as well as the smaller capacity of clientele in gay bars. Consequently, the prices of drinks would be twice as expensive in gay bars compared to the regular cafes and pubs in the vicinity. Hence, don’t automatically assume that you’re being overcharged just because you’re a tourist.


Click here see estimated priced and more information about LGBTQ life in Istanbul

Gay friendly cafe and restaurants in Istanbul

Demgah Meyhane & Restaurant
 Poyraz Sk. No:5/A, Harbiye, Şişli
 Instagram & Google & Online Menu
Demgah is a small, LGBTQ-friendly meyhane—a traditional Turkish restaurant—located within walking distance of Taksim Square, very close to Osmanbey metro station and the popular gay nightclub called Love. It is especially famous for its delicious mezes, Turkish-style appetizers served alongside alcoholic drinks, most notably “raki.” With a transgender partner involved, this venue offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere, making it an excellent spot for LGBTQ tourists looking to experience traditional Turkish cuisine in a friendly setting. The menu link with prices are available on their Istagram page


Gay friendly cafe and restaurants in Istanbul: The guide of gay friendly and other cafe restaurants in Istanbul, popular dining zones, fine dining, vegan, vegetarian and budget restaurants.

Gay Bars and Clubs in Istanbul

UPDATE: Gay Bars and Clubs in Istanbul

"Pinokyo Club has moved to a new address a few blocks away on the same street and changed its name as Pinoy" * Buyuk Parmakkapi Sk, No: 21, Beyoglu, Istanbul. * Click here for guest reviews, location map and more

https://www.turkeygay.net/istanbul/gay-bar-club.html

Gay Bars and Clubs in Istanbul: Istanbul gay bars, gay clubs, discos, gay friendly cafe bars in Istanbul listed with up-to-date addresses, descriptions, visitor reviews, location maps and more

Gay & lesbian friendly shopping in Istanbul

Affirmative Hair Solutions
Web :  Official Website & Instagram
Address: Hacı Mansur Sk. No:14, Nişantaşı, Şişli, Istanbul
Affirmative Hair Solutions excels in advanced hair transplant techniques, dental treatments, and cosmetic surgeries expressly serving the LGBTQ+ community within Istanbul's inclusive environment in Turkey.

Gay & lesbian friendly shopping in Istanbul: Istanbul’s shopping guide for LGBT visitors. Gay friendly beauty parlors, fashion stores, shopping malls, adult stores selling gay video, cd, sex toys and other erotic products.

Gay friendly cafe and restaurants in Istanbul

Demgah Meyhane & Restaurant
 Poyraz Sk. No:5/A, Harbiye, Şişli
 Instagram & Google
Demgah is a small, LGBTQ-friendly meyhane—a traditional Turkish restaurant—located within walking distance of Taksim Square, very close to Osmanbey metro station and the popular gay nightclub called Love. It is especially famous for its delicious mezes, Turkish-style appetizers served alongside alcoholic drinks, most notably “raki.” With a transgender partner involved, this venue offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere, making it an excellent spot for LGBTQ tourists looking to experience traditional Turkish cuisine in a friendly setting. The menu link with prices are available on their Istagram page

Gay friendly cafe and restaurants in Istanbul: The guide of gay friendly and other cafe restaurants in Istanbul, popular dining zones, fine dining, vegan, vegetarian and budget restaurants.

Gay friendly cafe and restaurants in Istanbul

Le Cuistot Bistro by Chef Carlos
 General Yazgan Sk. No:13, Asmalimescit, Beyoglu.
 Instagram & Le-cuistot.com.tr
Submitted to our guide by the owner Carlos, described with his own words as: "Le Cuistot Bistro is an authentic Franco-Belgian restaurant located in the heart of Pera, Beyoğlu. For more than 12 years, it has been a welcoming spot for both locals and international guests, especially well-known and appreciated within the LGBT+ community. Our atmosphere is warm, inclusive, and very friendly, making everyone feel comfortable and respected. We serve traditional Belgian and French cuisine such as mussels with fries, pepper steak flambéed with cognac, blanquette de veal, and homemade desserts. Combining authenticity, gastronomy, and conviviality, Le Cuistot Bistro has become a favorite meeting place where diversity and good taste come together." (27/09/2025)

Gay friendly cafe and restaurants in Istanbul: The guide of gay friendly and other cafe restaurants in Istanbul, popular dining zones, fine dining, vegan, vegetarian and budget restaurants.

Gay Friendly Aquarius Sauna Istanbul

"I visit Aquarius Sauna every time I'm in Istanbul, and honestly, I always have a great time! Sure, the place might be a bit run-down, but it has its own charm.
The standout, and main reason I keep coming back is definitely the guys who work there. They’re all straight, hot, and genuinely charming. If you opt for any of their services, you're in good hands – they really know what they're doing! ;)

Gay Friendly Aquarius Sauna Istanbul: Aquarius Sauna by Turkish Bath Guide. Aquarius Sauna is famous with rent boys working a masseurs. Guide of gay sauna, hammam and bath houses in Istanbul including maps and reviews.